Famous Historical Places in Uttarakhand :

The Himalayan beauty, Uttarakhand has always been the honeypot for the adventure addicts and nature worshippers, who like to explore its lesser known and remote locations.  the ‘Land of Gods’, Uttarakhand has been a famous meditational ground for many great sages and hermits who attained enlightenment here. It was also a trading hub as many merchants used to trade salt with Tibet. Chand and Katyuri, the two cardinal dynasties of that period contributed immensely to the history of Uttarakhand. The state also takes great pride in housing several eminent Hindu and Sikh shrines in India. Following are the historical places in Uttarakhand :

1. Dwarahat, Almora district :

The celestial hamlet of Dwarahat located about 34 km from Ranikhet is a small town that was once the seat of Katyuri Kingdom. Dwarahat literally suggests the ‘Way to Heaven’ and is famous for its ancient temples which have an influence of Gurjari School of Art. The history buffs can visit the town and witness the 55 remarkable temples that have been standing tall since ages. The credit for the architectural grandeur of these temples goes to the Katyuri Dynasty who ruled over Kumaon for a significant period of time.

2. Chaukhutia, Almora district :

Famously known as Rangilo Gewar, the tiny hamlet of Chaukhutia rose to fame during the rule of Katyuri Dynasty. This quintessential town is a perfect place for witnessing the rich history of Uttarakhand. The tourists can admire the impressive architecture of the old forts and temples that were built during the Katyuri rule. Many religious accounts state that the Pandava brothers stayed here for a short span of time during their period of exile and the Pandukholi caves found in Chaukhutia were built by them, which is a must visit site.

3. Lohaghat, Champawat district :

Idyllically situated on the banks of Lohawati River in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, the sleepy town of Lohaghat reckoned for its century old temples is a must visit place for all the history lovers. This ancient city has noted several historic events in the bygone era and each has been marked by the construction of monumental temples that represent a particular era. An epitome of beauty, Lohaghat is besieged by the carpet of rosy rhododendrons in the summer season.

4. Ghuddauda, Almora district :

Now fathomed but once popular among British personnel, Ghuddauda in Almora district used to host horse races during the British Raj. Ghuddauda made waves for the pompous horse races that used to take place during the British era. These races were so unique in nature that the winner actually got a chance to select his desired prize.

5. Badharangadi, Chamoli district:

The historical town of Badharangadi located at a favourable distance of 6 km from Gwaldam is known for its remnants of a fort which was a majestic structure once. The town is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is a spiritual center in Uttarakhand as well. 

6. Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal district :

This noteworthy town of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand was once a part of the Tehri Riyasat and was ruled by the Shah rulers for quite a long time. Named after the Maharaja Narendra Shah of the Shah Dynasty, Narendra Nagar town boasts several old buildings that are still used as a hospital and secretariat. Maharaja Narendra Shah who was lured by the empyrean beauty of this place shifted his capital to this beautiful town in 1919. Apart from the old relics, the other highlight of this town is the Narendra Nagar Palace which is now home to the luxury spa destination, Ananda in the Himalayas. The palace hasn’t lost its royal charm as one can see the old artifacts and the gateway, showcasing the two cannons dating back to the time of World War I.

7. Kalsi, Dehradun district :

The famed town of Kalsi known for housing the 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide Ashoka Pillar Rock Edict is located about 5 km from Dakpathar in Dehradun district. Many researchers flock to Kalsi to see the Ashoka Pillar Rock Edict that dates back to 450 BC. This pillar is considered to be the symbol of a prosperous era during the Ashokan rule. The tinsel town of Kalsi is snuggled on the banks of river Yamuna and unfurls attractions like Asan Barrage, Sahastra Dhara and Paonta Sahib that are located in its vicinity.

8. Tons Valley, Jaunsar-Bawar region :

The inhabitants of Tons valley consider themselves to be the descendants of Pandavas and Kauravas and this culturally ambiguous valley is famous for practicing polyandry. The locals worship Kauravas as gods and there is also a temple dedicated to Duryodhana. One can see numerous ancient wooden temples established in the region, having pent roofs lined with slates. Duryodhan temple is the most historic and iconic temple of this region.

9. Dehradun :

The glorious Doon Valley is celebrated for its highly revered institutions that the British left behind. It is one of the charming places to visit if you want to dig into the history of Garhwal. Being the capital city of Uttarakhand, this treasured city offers a glimpse of the different periods and their influence on the modern day city. Founded by Guru Ram Rai in the 18th century, Dehradun houses the Guru Ram Rai Darbar, a Gurudwara built in 1699 by Raja Fateh Shah which is an important building that marks the history of Dehradun. Other important historical landmarks of the city such as Clock Tower and the Forest Research Institute are also noteworthy sites.

The Miniature Paintings in Guru Ram Rai Darbar Src

10. Mussoorie, Dehradun district :

Formerly developed as a shooting lodge by Captain Young and Mr. Shore, the Superintendent of Revenues, Mussoorie soon became a hotspot for the British officials and gained massive popularity. Since many British officials used to visit this place frequently, the construction of new buildings, resorts, and holiday homes grew by leaps and bounds. The hill station still has its colonial period bungalows that will take you for a walk down the memory lane. Some of the must visit tourist spots of Mussoorie are Sir George Everest House, Gun Hill Point, Lal Tibba, Christ Church, Union Church etc.

11. Nainital :

‘The City of Lakes’ Nainital has always been a lovers paradise that proudly showcases its sapphire-like lakes, the colonial style houses that are now converted into government offices. One can see the legendary Jim Corbett’s residence, Governor’s House having a striking resemblance to the Buckingham Palace (England), India’s first Methodist Church and several other small and big colonial structures.

12. Kausani, Bageshwar district :

Kausani also known as “Switzerland of India” is a solitary hill station where the deep thinkers, nature lovers and socially exhausted people can find inner peace and feel ecstatic while enlightening themselves about the history of the place. There’s a lot to do in Kausani as the travellers can visit the Anashakti Ashram, where Gandhiji stayed during his visit in Kausani in 1929. It is said that during his stay in Kausani, Mahatma Gandhiji penned Gita-Anashakti Yoga by being inspired by the beauty of this town.

13. Binsar, Almora district :

Often regarded as the home to the paradise birds, Binsar is a comely town nestled in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Once ruled by the rulers of Chand Dynasty (6th to 7th century), Binsar has always been the favourite holiday destination in Kumaon for the British during the colonial rule. One can still see the architectural splendour of several regal estates like Mary Budden and Grand Oak that have been converted into resorts now.

14. Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal :

Bedecked on the banks of pristine Alaknanda River, Srinagar is the largest town in the Garhwal hills. This historic town came into limelight after becoming the capital of Garhwal Kingdom. The town boasts of its numerous Hindu temples and monuments. One can see the architectural marvel of several ancient temples like Kamleshwar Temple, Keshorai Math, Vishnu Mohini Temple, Kilkileshwar Temple etc.

15. Bageshwar, Bageshwar district :

The bijou city of Bageshwar has many legends and myths associated with it. In the ancient religious texts of Skand Purana, Bageshwar is said to be the place where many great sages meditated and worshipped Lord Shiva. There are many ancient temples in the city, among which the Bagnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a cardinal Hindu site. It was here that Lord Shiva appeared in front of great sage Markandey in his lion avatar. Here the visitors can go for temple hopping to Ram Ghat temple, Agnikund temple, Nileshwar temple, Kukuda Mai temple, Shitla Devi temple, Trijugi Narayan temple, Hanuman temple, Nileshwar Dham, Swarg Ashram, Ramji temple, Jwala Devi temple, Bhileshwar Dham, Suraj Kund, Gopeshwar Dham, Golu temple, Baijnath, Shri Haru Temple and Gauri Udiyar that narrates a rich religious history about this sacred place of Uttarakhand.